Panel construction for displays

ABSTRACT

Two similar channel members, each adapted to be assembled within an edge groove of a display panel are releasably splined together by a spline engaged within each channel member at inner and outer locations. Each channel member also provides a race for an electrical wire, and means for making electrical contact with the wire and also for supporting auxiliary equipment. Each spline provides a cross arm for closing the channel mouth of the channel member and for cooperating with the channel sides and retaining means of the channel member for positively interlocking therewith and eliminating lost motion between the interconnected parts.

United States Patent [1 1 Eaton [4 1 Jan. 28, 1975 1 1 PANELCONSTRUCTION FOR DISPLAYS [76] Inventor: Robert F. Eaton, 7753 S.Oconto,

Bridgeview, 111. 60455 [221 Filed: July 2, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 375,493

[52] US. Cl 52/27, /125 H, 52/220, 52/586, 52/624, 160/231 A, 174/48,174/97, 174/101, 211/178 R, 339/97 R [51] Int. Cl. G09f 15/00, E04bl/343 [58] Field of Search 174/48, 68 R, 68 C, 70 R, 174/70 C, 72 C, 95,97, 101; 40/125 H;

199, 229 R, 231 R, 231 A, 232, 351; 339/20,

21 R, 22 R, 23, 97 R; 211/178 R [56] References Cited 9 v UNITED STATESPATENTS 3,065,574 11/1962 Piana 52/586 X 3,232,333 2/1966 Dixon /1833,314,551 4/1967 Plastow 160/231 A X 3,331,427 7/1967 Colombo 160/1993,361,189 1/1968 Dixon et a1. 160/231 A 3,527,283 9/1970 Butler et211...... 160/231 A X 3,592,289 7/1971 Aysta et al.. 160/231 R X3,631,630 1/1972 Bufiington et a1. 49/501 X 3,697,667 10/1972 Pollak cta1 174/68 C 3,750,333 8/1973 Vance 49/501 FORElGN PATENTS ORAPPLlCATlONS 1,178,086 12/1958 France 339/23 1,409,853 7/1965 France174/97 1,276,153 8/1968 Germany 174/97 Primary ExaminerLaramie E. AskinAttorney, Agent, or Firm1ay C. Taylor [57] ABSTRACT Two similar channelmembers, each adapted to be assembled within an edge groove of a displaypanel are releasably splined together by a spline engaged within eachchannel member at inner and outer locations. Each channel member alsoprovides a race for an electrical wire, and means for making electricalcontact with the wire and also for supporting auxiliary equipment. Eachspline provides a cross arm for closing the channel mouth of the channelmember and for cooperating with the channel sides and retaining means ofthe channel member for positively interlocking therewith and eliminatinglost motion between the interconnected parts.

24 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PAIENIEU M 3,862,523

' v SHEET 20F 2 PANEL CONSTRUCTION FOR DISPLAYS BACKGROUND AND SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus for displayingvisual or auditory information, for example, and in particular toimprovements in display panels and means for interconnecting in variousarrangements such panels or channel molding members of the general typeshown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,235,040, 3,314,551, 3,361,189, 3,403,720,3,460,282, and 3,592,289, which patents are incorporated herein by wayof reference to facilitate complete understanding of the structure, modeof operation, and scope of the present invention.

Important objects of the present invention are to provide improvementsover the numerous display panels and means for interconnecting the sameknown to the art to achieve simplicities and economies in thefabrication and assembly of such display panels and also to provideimproved means for releasably and positively securing such panelstogether in edge-to-edge relationship.

Other objects are to provide improvements in a channel member usefuleither by itself or as an integral edge for a display panel forsupporting concealed low power electrical wiring and various usefullight weight accessories such as headphones, electrical switches, lightfixtures and various other fixtures or brackets such as a literaturerack, coat hangers, etc.

Another object is to provide improvements in a spline cooperable withchannel members of the character described for releasably securing twosuch members together, preferably by snap-action, whereby the spline andchannel members may be repeatedly used in numerous arrangements andapplications.

Other objects of this invention will appear in the following descriptionand appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawingsforming a part of this specification wherein like reference charactersdesignate corresponding parts in the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1' is a fragmentary transversesection through the edge of a display panel, illustrating the presentinvention embodying a flexible spline for providing a strap hingebetween two similar panels.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating a modification toprovide a finished edge for the display panel of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are sectional views similar to FIG. 1, showingadditional modifications and applications of the invention separate fromthe panel.

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view showing an application of theinvention for supporting auxiliary equipment and electric wiring.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrowssubstantially along the line 7--7 of FIG. 6, showing the elements inassembled position.

FIG. 8 is a progressive assembly view showing another modification ofthe invention in sectional views A, B, and C similar to FIG. 1.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are sectional views similar to FIG. 1 showing still othermodifications.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and arrangement of partsillustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capableof other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in variousways. Also it is to be understood that thephraseology or terminologyemployed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings andin particular to FIG. 1, an edge of a laminated panel 10 suitable fordisplay purposes is illustrated comprising a central core 11, which maycomprise a lightweight foamed plastic, by way of example, bonded betweena pair of tough lateral sheets or skin layers 12, which may comprise anysuitable sheet material such as a vinyl plastic or a material comparableto MASONITE, FIBERGLAS or the like. The adhesive bond between the core11 and sheets 12 may comprise a suitable thermosetting resin, which maybe comparatively inelastic. The outer edge of the core 11 is formed witha central locating abutment 13 extending the length of the edge of thepanel 10 and spacing a pair of grooves 14 also extending the length ofthe panel edge to effect a W-shaped cross section.

The sheets 12 extend edgewise of the core 11 to provide a channeltherebetween for receiving a channel member or molding 15 extending thelength of the panel edge. The member 15 has a channel base 16 seated onthe abutment l3 and parallel channel sides 17 bonded to the sheets 12 bya suitable adhesive which enables flexing of the bonded-together channelsides 17 and sheets 12, as described below.

In fabrication of the structure described thus far, after the core 11 isbonded between the sheets 12 as illustrated and prior to insertion ofthe member 15 between the sheets 12, the confronting surfaces of thelatter and the lateral surfaces of the channel sides 17 if desired arecoated with adhesive in a fluid condition. The channel member 15 is theninserted between the sheets 12 until it seats on the abutment 13 asshown. During this process, excess adhesive 18 will be forced into thegrooves 14 provided for this purpose rather than outwardly of the paneledge. Thus seating of the channel base 16 on the locating abutment 13 isassured, a uniform panel edge is achieved, and clean-up of excess glueis minimized. The sheets 12 of the assembled panel structure'may then beclamped to the channel sides 17 until the adhesive cures or dries.

A pair of spline locating projections 19 extend into the outwardlyopening channel 20 of the molding or member 15 to define a smalloutwardly opening locating channel 21. The latter extends lengthwise ofthe channel 20 and is preferably centered on the latters mid-plane ofsymmetry to receive and locate therein the tapered leading edge 22 ofthe spade 23 of an insert or spline 24. Converging outwardly fromopposite channel sides 17 are a pair of retaining projections 25 whichdefine a retaining slit 26 extending longitudinally of the channel 20and overlying the locating channel 21. The outer edges of theprojections 25 are preferably rounded and are releasably confined withintransversely opening retaining channels or grooves 27 defined by atransverse projection or cross arm 28 of the spline 24 and transverselyextending shoulders 29 (See FIG. 3) at the outer portion of the spade23. The cross arm 28 and shoulders 29 are thus spaced by a transverselyreduced neck portion of the spline 24 snugly as by means of web 30b inFIG. 4. Also the spline 24 may be of comparatively rigid or flexiblematerial. In

. the latter instance, the thickness of the web 30 may be reduced at 31adjacent each of the cross arms 28 to facilitate flexing, especiallywhere it is desired to utilize the spline 24 as a 360 strap hinge. Aright angle bend is shown in the phantom position, FIG. 1.

The channel or molding member as illustrated may also comprise one ormore races for retaining an electrical conducting wire 32. Thusextending outwardly from each projection 25 adjacent the proximatechannel side 17 and inclined toward the latter is an outwardlyconverging spur 33 which terminates adjacent an assembled cross arm 28at a location spaced from the proximate side 17 by a slit preferably ofsmaller transverse dimension than the wire 32. The wire 32 may beinserted lengthwise into one end of the race 34 provided between eachspur 33 and channel side 17, but preferably the sidewalls of the race 34are sufficiently yieldable resiliently to enable insertion of the wire32 through the restricted slit opening of the race 34, whereupon therace sidewalls return to their undeformed condition shown to snuglyretain the wire 32 in place adjacent the side 17 to facilitate handlingof the member 15 prior to assembly of the spline 24. When the spline 24is finally assembled with the channel member 15 as described below, thecross arm 28 closely overlies and closes the slit opening for the race34 to conceal and positively confine the wire 32.

Preferably all of the above described elements of the member 15 andspline 24 extend longitudinally as illustrated in FIG. 6, so that theircross sections as shown are uniform along their lengths. Accordinglyboth the spline 24 and member 15 may be manufactured from metal orplastic materials by conventional extrusion processes to provideintegral structures respectively. The spline 24 may be insertedlengthwise into the end of the channel of the member 15, particularly ifit is desired to fabricate these members of very rigid materials.Preferably the projections 25 and channel sides 17, with the panelsheets 12 bonded thereto, are sufficiently resilient to springtransversely to enable edgewise insertion of the tapered spade 23through the re taining slit 26. In this regard, the converging sides ofthe spade 23 are smooth low friction inclined planes to facilitateopening of the slit 26 by cam action for passage of the shoulders 29,whereupon the projections 25 snap resiliently into the grooves 27 andinterlock with the spline 24. Also the angle of convergence of theprojections 25 cooperates with the converging wedge-like surfaces of thespade 23 to provide additional leverage for springing the projections 25toward the channel sides 17 upon insertion of the spade 23, enabling theuse of appreciably rigid resilient material for the member 15 and alsoreducing the amount of yielding that would otherwise be required for thesides 17.

In the assembled position, the leading edge 22 of the spade 23 isclosely adjacent the channel base 16 and is confined closely within thelocating channel 21, and the lateral edges of the cross arm 28 terminateclosely adjacent the sides 17 to minimize play or lost motion in anydirection between the interlocked parts. By virtue of engaging thespline 24 at both the inner and outer regions of the spade 23, torsionalmovement of the spline 24 within the channel 20 is also minimized. Thespline 24 may be disassembled from channel member 15 when desired, butit is apparent from the structure shown, including the leverage tofacilitate assembly afforded by the tapered spade 23, and thecomparatively small leverage afforded by the shoulders 29 fordisassembly, that the latter operation requires considerably more forcethan the former.

In the assembled position, the cross arm 28'may be located below theouter edges of the sides 17 to provide a space within the channeloutwardly of the cross arm 28 for an electrical terminal block orretainer for auxiliary equipment as described in reference to FIGS. 6and 7, or the outer surface of the cross arm 28 may be flush with theouter edges of the channel sides 17 as in FIG. 2 to provide a finishededge for the panel 10. In that instance, the web 30 is omitted.

The channel member or molding 15 may be employed with or without a panel10. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the member 15 separate from the panel 10, whereinspline 24 is preferably comparatively rigid. In FIG. 4 a two-partrectangular wrap-around hanger 35 of form sustaining resilient materialis illustrated, each part 35 being identical with the other but arrangedin reverse relationship with respect to theother. Accordingly the parts35 may be formed as a single element by extrusion molding, whereupon theextruded element may be cut to desired lengths in pairs to provide thetwo-part wrap-around. Each wrap-around part 35 comprises a long side 36adapted to extend along and beyond the coplanar exterior surfaces of twomembers 15 joined edgewise with a space 37 between the proximate edgesof their channel sides 17.

Each side 36 at one end diverges at asmall angle from the adjacentchannel side 17 to provide a triangular space 38 extendinglongitudinally of the members 15, whereby the side 36 at said one endmay be forced toward the adjacent channel side 17 to facilitate assemblyand disassembly of the two wrap-around pieces, as described below. Eachside 36 also extends at said one end beyond the adjacent channel base 16and partially around the latter at an integral inturned flange 39, whichterminates at an integral outturned hook 40. The latter is provided witha lateral cam surface 41 which undercuts the outer surface 42 of thehook 40 at a small angle to the mid-plane of symmetry of the member 15.The surface 41 intersects a cam surface 43 of the flange 39 at an acuteangle. The surface 43 converges to the outer or lateral surface 36a ofthe side 36, which surface 36a may be parallel to the channel sides 17.The side 36 is of uniform thickness except at the region of thetriangular space 38.

Each wrap-around part of the hanger 35 also comprises a short side 44extending integrally from the side 36 and at right angles thereto alongthe channel base 16. The short side 44 of each hanger part 35 extendsflush with the surface 42 of the other hanger part 35 and terminates ina wedge shaped hook 45 mating with and closely interfltting within thetriangular groove formed by the intersecting surfaces 41 and 43 of theother hanger part 35. The sides 36 and 44 cooperate to complete a snugrectangular enclosure for the assembled channel members and spline 24.The inter-engaging hooks 40 and 45 are readily -separable by depressingthe adjacent portion of the side 36 toward the adjacent member 15,thereby to close the space 38 and cause the hook 40 to separate from thehook 45. In the same movement as the cam surface 43 moves inwardlytoward the member 15, the hooks 40 and 45 will be cammed out ofinterengagement with each other, enabling the end of the correspondingshort side 44 to be separated completely from the hook 40.

The interlocking hooks 40 and 45 complete a thickened corner. Theadjacent corner 46 at the juncture between the long and short sides 36and 44 is similarly thickened to reinforce the juncture and to provide aspace 47 between the channel base 16 and short side 44 for the head of ascrew 48 for attaching the hanger 35 to an external support 49, whichmay be a ceiling, wall, railing, or the like. In this regard, a smalldrill locating groove 50 is provided in the exterior surfaces of thesides 36 and 44 at their mid-regions to facilitate locating and drillinga hole 51 for the screw 48. Thus the assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and5 may be secured laterally or at the bottom to an external support 49,as

' well as at the top as shown. Also either long side 36 may be drilledto provide an opening 52, phantom view, FIG. 4, for insertion of anauxiliary bracket or electrical leads for the wires 32, as describedbelow in regard to FIGS. 6 and 7.

The wrap-around 35 illustrated in FIG. 4 is an intermittant supportusually less than 1 inch long and used as a wrap-around and mountingdevice, a number of such hangers 35 being spaced longitudinally alongthe combined channels 15. The wrap-around is used also where a portionof the entire spline assembly is omitted for a short longitudinaldistance to allow insertion of a terminal block, illustrated in FIG. 6,wherein hole 52 in the wrap-around allows passage of the wire cord 63 inFIG. 6. The channels 15 in FIG. 6 may pass continuously above and belowthe terminal block, whereas portions of the spline 24 may be eliminatedintermittently. The wrap-around reinforces the void where the splineassembly is omitted.

FIG. 5 shows a modified integral channel member 15a comprising aresiliently flexible and compressible plastic body suitable forextending along curved walls or for providing a sharply curved juncturebetween the ends of two comparatively straight assemblies of the typeshown in FIG. 4. In this instance, because of the readily deformableresilient material .of the member 15a, a pocket 26a may be formed in thebody of the member 15a to conform closely to the shape of the spade 23.The retaining projections 25a interfit closely within the grooves 27 andresiliently yield laterally to enable insertion of the spade 23. Ahanger 35 is preferably employed at the endwise juncture between channelmembers 15 and 15a.

The wires 32 extend within races 34a comprising outwardly openinggrooves within the body of the member 15a. Spurs comparable to the spurs33 are not shown in FIG. 6, although they could be provided integrallywith the body of member 15a if desired. In other respects the structuralconcept and function of the members 150 are the same as described abovein regard to FIGS. 14. The double wires 32 shown in each race 34a mayrepresent two twisted-together wire ends where the wire 32 of the nextendwise adjacent channel member 15 is electrically connected bysoldering or otherwise with the wire 32 of the channel .member 15a.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a terminal block 53 adapted to fit betweenconfronting channel members 15 spaced by a web 30b of the typeillustrated in FIG. 4. The vblock 53 may comprise a tough rigid integraldielectric plastic and has a central platform 54 spacing a pair oftunnels 55 integral in turn with end platforms 56, each having raisededge flanges 57 and 58 at their inner and outer edges respectively.

A section of the spline 24 may be removed to accommodate the terminalblock 53 between the confronting channel members 15. The block 53 may besecured either in the positive shown, upside-down or reversed end forend by means of screws 59 extending through holes 60 in the platforms 54and 56 and confined snugly within the retaining slit 26, FIG. 7. Thewraparound 35 may then be employed if desired around the members 15 atthe region thereof where the spline 24 is removed to assure that themembers 15 will be securely held in their confronting relationship,especially if the members 15 are subject to load, as for example, wherean auxiliary bracket 61 is also retained by the block 53.

The bracket 61 may comprise a pair of parallel rod arms 61a adapted tofit snugly within the tunnels 55 respectively and to extend laterallythrough the space 37 to an intermediate bracket portion of any suitableshape, as indicated schematically by the dotted portion 61b, for holdingauxiliary equipment such as a headphone, microphone, or other device.The rod arms 610 project to the ends of the tunnels 55 opposite thebracket 61b and are welded to a cross rod 61c to prevent removal of thearms 61a lengthwise from the tunnels 55. Portions 62 of the tunnels 55are removed to provide a seat for the cross rod 610.

The terminal block 53 also provides means for connecting the wires 32with a source of electrical power or cable 63 which typically maycomprise a pair of insulated electrical leads 64 and 65 and an anchorwire 66 insulated from the leads 64 and 65. The leads 64 and 65 extendin opposite directions across the tunnels 55 through notches 67 thereinand are secured to the upper surfaces of electrical contact plates 68 bythe end screws 59 which extend through holes 60 in the platforms 56.Each contact member 68 has a plate portion that fits flush with one ofthe platforms 56 closely between the flanges 57 and 58, a screw hole 69aligned with the associated screw hole 60, and a depending knife edge 70that extends through the slit opening into the underlying race 34proximate a channel side 17, FIG. 7, and cuts through the insulation ofthe wire 32 to complete an electrical connection therewith. The anchorwire 66 is non-electrical and is secured to the central platform 54 bythe central screw 59 to prevent an accidental pull on the cable 63 frominterfering with the electrical connections.

In practice, prior to securing the two channel members 15 together inFIG. 6, the bracket arms 61a will be fitted into the tunnels 55 from theundersides of the latter. The assembly of terminal block 53 and bracket61 is then secured by the screws 59 to the appropriate member 15 at anylocation along its length, FIG. 7, and the leads 64 and 65 are connectedto the contact plates 68 at the same time. Thereafter the second member15 is splined to the first member as illustrated in FIG. 4 for example.

In the preceding descriptions of FIGS. 17, unless the spline 24 isinserted endwise into the end of the channel member 15, it is presumedthat the channel sides 17 and projections will yield to enable the spade23 to be snapped edgewise into the member 15. In FIG. 8, a resilientlydeformable tubular spade 23b is illustrated which may be inserted into acomparatively rigid or unyieldable channel member 15b. The latter isotherwise similar in operation and structure to the channel member 15and has the channel base 16b, sides 17b, locating projections 19b andchannel 21b, and retaining projections 25b. The spade 23b extendsintegrally from the inner end of the neck or web which may be the sameas the web of FIG. 1. From the neck 30, the tubular sides of the spade23b diverge symmetrically at 27b to shoulders 29b, and thence convergesymmetrically to a leading or inner edge. In FIG. 8, each of theinwardly converging sides of the spade 23b terminates at its leadingedge in a rounded reinforcing bead 22b, the two beads 22b being separateand capable of rolling sliding engagement with each other to facilitatecollapse and elongation of the spade 23b when it is forced between thecomparatively unyielding projections 25b.

The diverging sides 27b are preferably thinner than the sides of thespade 23b that converge to the beads 2212, so that as the spade 23b isforced between the projections 25b, the sides 27b will yield asindicated in FIG. 88. Once the shoulders 29b pass the projections 25b,FIG. 8C, the spade 23b will return to its undeformed shape and the beads22b will be confined within the locating channel 21b. The reducedleverage afforded by the large angle of divergence of the sides 27b, ascompared to the shallow angle of convergence between the shoulders 29band beads 22b, will then resist withdrawal. In consequence greater forcewill be required to separate the spade 23b from the channel member 15bthan is required to snap the spade 23b into its assembled position.

A similar arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 9. The converging sides ofthe tubular spade 230 at the leading edge 22c are joined integrally, anda cross arm 28c comparable to the cross arm 28 is illustrated. Also inFIG. 9, the lateral edges of the channel sides 17c are serrated toprovide a physical interlock with the adhesive 180 that bonds the sides170 to the skin layers 12 of the panel 10. In other respects, thestructure and operation of the spline shown in FIG. 9 are similar to thestructure and operation described in reference to FIG. 8. As the leadingedge 22c enters between the projections 250, the sides of the hollowspade 23c deform and elongate to allow passage of the shoulder portions29c. Thereafter the spade 23c returns resiliently to its undeformedshape as illustrated and the leading edge 220 will be confined withinthe locating channel 210.

The preferred structure described above is symmetrical with respect to amid-plane. However, it is within the scope of the invention,particularly where a narrow channel structure or panel is employed, toutilize an asymmetric channel and spline. In FIG. 10, a channel member15d has a channel base 16d and sides 17d, but only a single retainingprojection 25d and locating projection 19d. The projection 25d extendsfrom one channel side 17d in the manner of one of the projections 25described above and is spaced from the opposite channel side 17d toprovide the retaining slit 26d. The latter overlies a locating channel21d between the projection 19d and said opposite side 17d. The spline24d comprises only half of the spline 24, as illustrated in FIG. 10, andthus provides a single neck groove 27d, cross arm 28d, shoulder 29d, andspur 33d. These parts function as described in regard to FIG. 1 andsimilar remarks apply to the FIG. 10 structure as in FIG. 1.

I claim:

1. In combination, a channel member comprising a channel base andtransversely spaced channel sides defining an outwardly opening channel,retaining means comprising inner and outer locating means carried bysaid channel member, said inner locating means defining an outwardlyopening inner locating slit extending longitudinally within said channeladjacent the base thereof, said outer locating means defining anoutwardly opening outer retaining slit extending longitudinally of saidchannel and opening thereinto at a location spaced outwardly from saidinner locating slit, an insert extending longitudinally of said channel,said insert having a neck extending through said outer retaining slit,said insert having a spade portion extending inwardly from said neckinto said inner locating slit, said neck and spade portion being locatedwithin said outer and inner slits respectively by engagementrespectively with said outer and inner locating means, said spadeportion enlarging to a greater transverse dimension than said outerretaining slit to provide shoulder means located inwardly of the latterslit, and said outer locating means having an edge defining an edge ofsaid outer .retaining slit and overlying said shoulder means outwardlythereof.

2. In the combination according to claim 1, the inner end of said spadebeing closely adjacent said channel base.

3. In the combination according to claim 1, said insert having atransverse portion located outwardly of said retaining slit andextending transversely from said neck, and said edge of said outerretaining means being confined between said shoulder means andtransverse portion.

4. In the combination according to claim 3, said outer locating meanscomprising a projection having said edge and converging toward saidchannel base in the direction transversely from said edge.

5. In the combination according to claim 4, said projection divergingoutwardly from one channel side and being resiliently yieldable toenable passage of said spade portion through said retaining slit.

6. In the combination according to claim 5, means to facilitateinsertion of said spade portion through said retaining slit comprisingan inclined cam surface of said spade portion.

7. In the combination according to claim 1, a second insert similar tothe first specified insert and arranged in mirror relationshiptherewith, a connecting web extending between and connecting the firstand second inserts to complete a spline for joining said channel memberwith a similar second channel member.

8. In the combination according to claim 7, a second channel membersimilar to the first named channel member and engaged with said secondinsert in confronting relationship with the first named channel member,the confronting outer edges of the channel sides of said first andsecond channel members being in abutment.

9. In the combination according to claim 7, a second channel memberengaged with said second insert in confronting relationship with thefirst named channel member, the confronting outer edges of the channelsides of said first and second channel members being spaced apredetermined distance.

10. In the combination according to claim 9, an accessory deviceconfined between said first and second channel members and extendingtransversely therefrom through the space between said confronting edges.

11. In the combination according to claim 9, retention means securedbetween said first and second channel members, and bracket meansextending between said channel members from the exterior thereof throughthe space between said confronting edges and releasably secured to saidretention means.

12. In the combination according to claim 7, a second channel membersimilar to the first mentioned channel member and engaged with saidsecond insert in confronting relationship with the first channel member,each insert having a transverse portion outward of the associatedretaining slit and extending transversely from the neck of theassociated insert to adjacent a channel side of the associated channelmember, said connecting web extending from each transverse portion inopposition to the associated neck.

13. In the combination according to claim 1, said insert having atransverse portion located outwardly of said retaining slit andextending transversely from said neck into proximity with one of saidchannel sides.

14. In the combination according to claim 1, said retaining slit beinglocated between said channel sides, and said insert having transverseportions located outwardly of said retaining slit and extendingtransversely from said neck in opposite directions into proximity withsaid channel sides.

15. In the combination according to claim 1, said outer locating meansincluding a retaining projection of one channel side of said memberextending toward the other channel side, said projection being spacedfrom said channel base and defining said edge of said outer retainingslit.

16. In the combination according to claim 1, said inner locating meanscomprising a pair of transversely spaced locating projections extendinglongitudinally of said channel and into the latter from said channelbase.

17. In the combination according to claim 16, said retaining slitoverlying said locating slit along the longitudinal mid-plane of saidchannel, said outer locating means comprising a projection having saidedge and converging toward said channel base in the directiontransversely from said edge, said insert having a transverse portionlocated outwardly of said retaining slit and extending transversely fromsaid neck, and said edge of said outer retaining means being confinedbetween said shoulder means and transverse portion.

18. In the combination according to claim 1, said outer locating meanscomprising a pair of retaining projections extending longitudinally ofsaid member from the opposite sides thereof respectively at locationsspaced from said base and converging outwardly toward each other to saidretaining slit, said channel member comprising comparatively rigid formsustaining material resiliently yieldable to enable passage of theshoulder means of said spade through said retaining slit.

19. In the combination according to claim 18, said insert havingtransverse portions located outwardly of said retaining slit andextending transversely from said neck in opposite directions toward saidchannel sides, the outer ends of said retaining projections beingconfined between said shoulder means and transverse portions at oppositesides of said retaining slit.

20. In combination, a channel member having a channel base transverselyspacing a pair of channel sides to define an outwardly opening channel,a pair of retaining projections of said channel member convergingoutwardly from said channel sides respectively and terminating in edgesextending longitudinally of said channel member to define therebetween aretaining slit opening into said channel, a spline extendinglongitudinally of said channel member comprising a transverse portionwithin said channel and closing the same, a neck of said spline ofreduced transverse dimension with respect to said transverse portion andextending inward therefrom snugly through said retaining slit, and aspade portion extending inward from the inner end of said neck, saidspade portion having transversely thickened shoulder portions providinga pair of grooves between said transverse and shoulder portions andopening transversely in opposite directions, the edges of said retainingprojections defining said retaining slit being engaged within saidgrooves respectively in interlocking relationship between saidtransverse and shoulder portions. I

21. In the combination according to claim 20, said channel member beingresiliently yieldable for passage of said shoulder portions through saidretaining slit for releasably engaging said edges of said retainingprojections within said grooves.

22. In the combination according to claim 20, said channel member havinga pair of locating projections extending into the channel thereof fromthe channel base and defining a locating slit adjacent the channel base,and said spade portion having an inner edge extending snugly into saidlocating slit.

23. In the combination according to claim 22, said spline having asecond set of elements comprising a transverse portion, neck and spadeportion in mirror arrangement with respect to the first named set ofthese elements, a web. of said spline connecting the transverse portionsof said first and second sets of elements, and a second channel membersimilar to the first named channel member releasably engaged with said Isecond set of spline elements.

24. In the combination according to claim 22, a panel having an edgewiseopening groove within an edge thereof, the cross sectional interiorshape of the sides of the latter groove mating with the cross sectionalexterior shape of the sides of said channel member, said channel memberbeing confined within said edgewise opening groove, an adhesive securingsaid channel member within the latter groove, the base of the lattergroove having a central portion underlying the channel base of saidmember, and a pair of recesses at opposite sides of said centralportion, said recesses being dimensioned to receive excess adhesiveextruded thereinto in a fluid condition during assembly of said channelmember within said edgewise opening groove.

1. In combination, a channel member comprising a channel base andtransversely spaced channel sides defining an outwardly opening channel,retaining means comprising inner and outer locating means carried bysaid channel member, said inner locating means defining an outwardlyopening inner locating slit extending longitudinally within said channeladjacent the base thereof, said outer locating means defining anoutwardly opening outer retaining slit extending longitudinally of saidchannel and opening thereinto at a location spaced outwardly from saidinner locating slit, an insert extending longitudinally of said channel,said insert having a neck extending through said outer retaining slit,said insert having a spade portion extending inwardly from said neckinto said inner locating slit, said neck and spade portion being locatedwithin said outer and inner slits respectively by engagementrespectively with said outer and inner locating means, said spadeportion enlarging to a greater transverse dimension than said outerretaining slit to provide shoulder means located inwardly of the latterslit, and said outer locating means having an edge defining an edge ofsaid outer retaining slit and overlying said sHoulder means outwardlythereof.
 2. In the combination according to claim 1, the inner end ofsaid spade being closely adjacent said channel base.
 3. In thecombination according to claim 1, said insert having a transverseportion located outwardly of said retaining slit and extendingtransversely from said neck, and said edge of said outer retaining meansbeing confined between said shoulder means and transverse portion.
 4. Inthe combination according to claim 3, said outer locating meanscomprising a projection having said edge and converging toward saidchannel base in the direction transversely from said edge.
 5. In thecombination according to claim 4, said projection diverging outwardlyfrom one channel side and being resiliently yieldable to enable passageof said spade portion through said retaining slit.
 6. In the combinationaccording to claim 5, means to facilitate insertion of said spadeportion through said retaining slit comprising an inclined cam surfaceof said spade portion.
 7. In the combination according to claim 1, asecond insert similar to the first specified insert and arranged inmirror relationship therewith, a connecting web extending between andconnecting the first and second inserts to complete a spline for joiningsaid channel member with a similar second channel member.
 8. In thecombination according to claim 7, a second channel member similar to thefirst named channel member and engaged with said second insert inconfronting relationship with the first named channel member, theconfronting outer edges of the channel sides of said first and secondchannel members being in abutment.
 9. In the combination according toclaim 7, a second channel member engaged with said second insert inconfronting relationship with the first named channel member, theconfronting outer edges of the channel sides of said first and secondchannel members being spaced a predetermined distance.
 10. In thecombination according to claim 9, an accessory device confined betweensaid first and second channel members and extending transverselytherefrom through the space between said confronting edges.
 11. In thecombination according to claim 9, retention means secured between saidfirst and second channel members, and bracket means extending betweensaid channel members from the exterior thereof through the space betweensaid confronting edges and releasably secured to said retention means.12. In the combination according to claim 7, a second channel membersimilar to the first mentioned channel member and engaged with saidsecond insert in confronting relationship with the first channel member,each insert having a transverse portion outward of the associatedretaining slit and extending transversely from the neck of theassociated insert to adjacent a channel side of the associated channelmember, said connecting web extending from each transverse portion inopposition to the associated neck.
 13. In the combination according toclaim 1, said insert having a transverse portion located outwardly ofsaid retaining slit and extending transversely from said neck intoproximity with one of said channel sides.
 14. In the combinationaccording to claim 1, said retaining slit being located between saidchannel sides, and said insert having transverse portions locatedoutwardly of said retaining slit and extending transversely from saidneck in opposite directions into proximity with said channel sides. 15.In the combination according to claim 1, said outer locating meansincluding a retaining projection of one channel side of said memberextending toward the other channel side, said projection being spacedfrom said channel base and defining said edge of said outer retainingslit.
 16. In the combination according to claim 1, said inner locatingmeans comprising a pair of transversely spaced locating projectionsextending longitudinally of said channel and into the latter from saidchannel base.
 17. In the combination according to claim 16, saidretaining slit overlying said locating slit along the longitudinalmid-plane of said channel, said outer locating means comprising aprojection having said edge and converging toward said channel base inthe direction transversely from said edge, said insert having atransverse portion located outwardly of said retaining slit andextending transversely from said neck, and said edge of said outerretaining means being confined between said shoulder means andtransverse portion.
 18. In the combination according to claim 1, saidouter locating means comprising a pair of retaining projectionsextending longitudinally of said member from the opposite sides thereofrespectively at locations spaced from said base and converging outwardlytoward each other to said retaining slit, said channel member comprisingcomparatively rigid form sustaining material resiliently yieldable toenable passage of the shoulder means of said spade through saidretaining slit.
 19. In the combination according to claim 18, saidinsert having transverse portions located outwardly of said retainingslit and extending transversely from said neck in opposite directionstoward said channel sides, the outer ends of said retaining projectionsbeing confined between said shoulder means and transverse portions atopposite sides of said retaining slit.
 20. In combination, a channelmember having a channel base transversely spacing a pair of channelsides to define an outwardly opening channel, a pair of retainingprojections of said channel member converging outwardly from saidchannel sides respectively and terminating in edges extendinglongitudinally of said channel member to define therebetween a retainingslit opening into said channel, a spline extending longitudinally ofsaid channel member comprising a transverse portion within said channeland closing the same, a neck of said spline of reduced transversedimension with respect to said transverse portion and extending inwardtherefrom snugly through said retaining slit, and a spade portionextending inward from the inner end of said neck, said spade portionhaving transversely thickened shoulder portions providing a pair ofgrooves between said transverse and shoulder portions and openingtransversely in opposite directions, the edges of said retainingprojections defining said retaining slit being engaged within saidgrooves respectively in interlocking relationship between saidtransverse and shoulder portions.
 21. In the combination according toclaim 20, said channel member being resiliently yieldable for passage ofsaid shoulder portions through said retaining slit for releasablyengaging said edges of said retaining projections within said grooves.22. In the combination according to claim 20, said channel member havinga pair of locating projections extending into the channel thereof fromthe channel base and defining a locating slit adjacent the channel base,and said spade portion having an inner edge extending snugly into saidlocating slit.
 23. In the combination according to claim 22, said splinehaving a second set of elements comprising a transverse portion, neckand spade portion in mirror arrangement with respect to the first namedset of these elements, a web of said spline connecting the transverseportions of said first and second sets of elements, and a second channelmember similar to the first named channel member releasably engaged withsaid second set of spline elements.
 24. In the combination according toclaim 22, a panel having an edgewise opening groove within an edgethereof, the cross sectional interior shape of the sides of the lattergroove mating with the cross sectional exterior shape of the sides ofsaid channel member, said channel member being confined within saidedgewise opening groove, an adhesive securing said channel member withinthe latter groove, the base of the latter groove having a centralportion underlying the channel base of said member, and a pair ofrecesses at opposite Sides of said central portion, said recesses beingdimensioned to receive excess adhesive extruded thereinto in a fluidcondition during assembly of said channel member within said edgewiseopening groove.